Petrological Characteristics and Procurement Route of the Rocks Used to Construct Munsusanseong, Gimpo |
Jae hwan Kim1, Min Su Han2 |
1Geoheritage Team, Korea Heritage Servise, Daejeon 35204, korea 2Dept. of Heritage Science and Technology Studies, Graduate School of Cultural Heritage, Korea National University of Heritage, Buyeo 33115, korea |
Correspondence:
Min Su Han, Tel: +010-3613-9699, Email: dormer@knuh.ac.kr |
Received: 21 November 2024 • Revised: 3 December 2024 • Accepted: 3 December 2024 |
ABSTRACT |
This study aimed to identify and determine the source and procurement route of the rocks used to construct the western rampart castellation and West gate (Gonghaeru) of the Munsusanseong Fortress in Gimpo. Granodiorite, quartzite, schist, and sandstone or pebbly sandstone, identified as the construction rocks, were characterized according to occurrence, magnetic susceptibility, constituent mineral types and textures, and geochemical characteristics. A geological survey of the Munsusan Formation in the vicinity of Munsusanseong and the southern Ganghwa region was undertaken. The sandstone or pebbly sandstone was probably sourced locally; however, the granodiorite is believed to have been sourced externally from southern Ganghwa in the vicinity of Bunori Dondae, another historic fortress, from petrologically and geomorphologically similar granodiorite. Many traces of rock quarrying were observed on a shore platform in this area, and it is believed that the procurement route was via the Yeomha River. This indicates that at the time of construction, during the late Joseon dynasty, economic power and labor mobilization were centered in Ganghwa and its surrounding areas. |
Key Words:
Munsusanseong, Castellation site, West gate (Gonghaeru), Munsusan Formation, Granodiorite, Bunori Dondae |
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